Night Bus Safety Concerns Rise Amid Drunk Driving

Concerns over passenger safety on long-distance buses are growing after a series of incidents involving drunk drivers on key night and interstate routes. Passengers and operators warn that intoxicated driving is becoming worryingly common, especially on high-traffic corridors such as Kozhikode–Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu–Bengaluru, and Bengaluru–Mangaluru.

A recent viral video has intensified the conversation. In the clip, a visibly drunk bus driver refuses to stop the vehicle despite multiple pleas from passengers. On the Kozhikode–Bengaluru stretch, another incident surfaced where the conductor was found unconscious beside the driver, raising alarm about the crew’s ability to handle an emergency.

Several operators say the problem is not isolated. Many major bus companies admit they detect drunk drivers at least once a month, with some smaller operators reporting even more frequent cases. While larger firms rely on breathalyser checks before departure and again at designated stops, many smaller or independent operators skip these safety measures altogether. Industry insiders say some drivers consume alcohol mid-journey, with a few testing at more than double the legal limit.

A shortage of trained young drivers is worsening the situation. “Most of the experienced drivers are older and many have longstanding drinking habits. We want to replace them, but very few new drivers are entering the sector,” a manager at a major travel company said. This shortage, he added, leaves operators with limited options when assigning night or interstate duties.

To improve accountability, the Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association has created a WhatsApp group for companies to share photographs and details of drivers caught reporting to duty inebriated. “This helps keep habitual offenders out of the industry,” said association president Radhakrishna Holla. He urged the government to enforce stricter penalties. “The current ₹10,000 fine affects operators while the driver often escapes serious punishment. Licences of drunk drivers must be cancelled,” he stressed.

Despite the rising concerns, officials say formal complaints remain minimal. MP Omkareshwari, Additional Commissioner of Transport (Enforcement South), stated that her department has not yet received reports related to these incidents. However, enforcement agencies have initiated targeted checks in response to the growing public outcry.

On November 28, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) conducted a special drive focusing on long-distance buses operating during peak weekend hours. Between 8 pm and 11.30 pm, officers inspected 2,583 private buses and booked 16 drivers for drunk driving. Their licences have been sent for suspension, said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy. Another drive held last week in West Bengaluru detected five drunk drivers among the 1,035 buses inspected.

With passenger videos and operator testimonies highlighting a systemic issue, stakeholders are calling for consistent enforcement, mandatory breathalyser checks, and stronger penalties to prevent drunk driving on interstate bus routes.